The question most Newcastle United fans on social media seem to be asking right now, is whether or not to get rid of Eddie Howe.
We all know there’s no sentiment in modern football.
However, there is a far bigger picture and ramifications at play with that decision.
Firstly, the spirit in the camp and unity he nurtured between players and families at the club, would no doubt diminish, players would leave and the structure that has been built resulting in the first domestic trophy since 1969 would come crashing down.
Secondly, the next question would then be, who would replace him?
Now we can rattle off as many names as we like. Glasner? Iraola? Flick? Alonso? What would the reality be though?
The Newcastle United wage bill is far less than the likes of Liverpool, Arsenal, Man U and Chelsea, the revenues of those clubs means they can offer bigger wages.
Attracting the very best in Europe seems to be a challenge.
As we saw with this past summers targets, disaster after disaster with players knocking us back for the likes of Man U and Chelsea.
My feeling is that some of the first team players currently out, are having a major impact.
As much as I’m not a fan of Burn being a left-back, we miss him when he’s not there as centre-back. His determination, heart, character, and threat at set-pieces is a miss. The same as well with the likes of Botman and Tino, they are missed and that has to be factored into recent results. Particularly away from home, where you need bigger characters to get you through games.
Next season we have PSR (Profit and Sustainability Rules) being replaced by SCR (Squad Cost Ratio) but the fact remains though that either system, the clubs bringing in the highest revenues can spend the most on transfer fees and wages.
For Newcastle United, that makes a new stadium with significantly increased capacity for me a no-brainer, as our club tries to compete long-term, on and off the pitch.
Back to Eddie Howe though.
Would it be a decision we would hugely regret if the NUFC fanbase got to the point of helping to making this happen?
Personally, I think it would be, and something we would look back on as a huge error.
Careful what you wish for.